A chihuahua can reach its 15th birthday, while a Great Dane rarely passes ten. The difference in lifespan between large and small dogs is considerable, and the smallest breeds are at the high end. When you know how old a small dog typically gets, you can plan your dog's entire life better, from the lively puppy years to the calm senior years many years later. Here you'll get the concrete figures for the small breeds, the explanation of why they live longer, and what you can do yourself to support a long and healthy life.
How old does a small dog typically get?
Small breeds typically live 14 to 16 years, and quite a few individuals live even longer. Breeds such as the chihuahua, miniature dachshund, papillon and most small terriers often reach their teens, and a few dogs pass 18 to 20 years, although that is rare. By comparison, many large breeds stop at 7 to 10 years. A large British study with data from more than 580,000 dogs found a median lifespan of around 12.5 years across all breeds, and here the small dogs in particular were at the top of the scale.
Nose shape matters just as much as size
Size doesn't tell the whole story. The same British study showed that small dogs with a long nose live the longest, with a median lifespan of around 13.3 years, while the short-nosed breeds were all the way down at around 9.3 years. A small dog with an ordinary, long muzzle therefore statistically has better odds of a long life than a small dog with a flat face. This means that two dogs of the same size can have quite different prospects, depending on their build and breathing.
Why small dogs live longer than large ones
It seems backwards, because in nature large animals such as elephants and whales live longer than small ones such as mice and rats. In dogs it's the opposite, and the explanation is linked to growth. Large breeds have to grow from a small puppy into a large animal in a short time, and the rapid growth puts strain on the body, wears on joints and bones and appears to accelerate the ageing processes that over time affect organs and cells. A small dog grows more slowly and over a longer period, and the gentler start appears to give more years at the other end of life. You can read more about the whole range in our guide to how old dogs get.
When is a small dog a senior?
A small dog becomes a senior later than a large one. Whereas a large breed can be considered older as early as around six to seven years, many small dogs stay lively and playful well into their teens. The transition happens gradually and often shows up in small things, such as the dog sleeping a little more, moving a little slower on the walk or becoming fussier at the bowl. Precisely because a small dog has so many years ahead of it, feeding and daily routines become very important for how good the final years will be.
How feeding supports a long life
A small dog has a fast metabolism and a small stomach, so it needs meals with a high nutritional density in small pieces it can actually chew. ESSENTIAL FOODS has composed meals for small breeds in particular, where the kibble is an appropriate size for a small mouth, and where taste and nutritional profile are tailored to small dogs. You'll find them gathered in the collection best dog food for small dogs, where we go in depth on what a small dog needs throughout life.
Throughout the long life, weight plays a central role. Being overweight puts strain on joints and organs and can shorten the life even of a small dog, which otherwise has good prospects of reaching old age. If you want to assess whether your dog is at a healthy weight, take a look at the guide does your dog have a healthy weight
Meals for the golden years
When a small dog reaches its senior years, its needs change. The activity level often drops a little, and the body needs nutrition that supports well-being and a good everyday life without adding unnecessary weight. OUR FINEST OLDER is composed with the senior dog's well-being in mind, so the taste holds up even as the dog gets older and perhaps a little fussier. Because so many small breeds live well into their teens, your dog will often enjoy meals suited to that exact life stage for many years.
The joints may need extra attention as the years go by. ESSENTIAL the MOBILITY BLEND is intended as a supplement for the dog's mobility, while THE OMEGA 3 OIL adds fatty acids that contribute to coat and general well-being. Both can be drizzled directly over the daily meal.
Give the right start from puppyhood
A long dog life begins in puppyhood. A small dog's growth should have calm and nutrition in the right balance, so the body is built up without being pushed. For the small breeds, ESSENTIAL FOODS has created OUR FINEST BEGINNING SMALL BREED with grain-free puppy meals, fresh ingredients and human-grade ingredients in small pieces that suit a small puppy mouth. In our Puppy universe, the advice comes directly from ESSENTIAL FOODS, so you can guide your small dog safely through the first months and lay the foundation for many good years.
If you're unsure what your small dog should have through the different life stages, you can always contact ESSENTIAL FOODS' nutrition advisers by phone, chat or email and get help choosing meals that suit your dog's exact age and needs. And if you find that your dog changes behaviour or seems unwell, the vet is always who you should turn to.